GULFPORT BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Catamaran Dusk: Shell Key Sunset and the Skyway’s $15M Light Spectacle
A three-hour evening cruise from Gulfport aboard a 45ft custom catamaran that combines dolphin sightings, a shore stop at Outback Key for shelling and sunset, and a return past the Skyway Bridge’s $15M light show.
Catamaran Dusk: Shell Key Sunset and the Skyway’s $15M Light Spectacle.
Board Coastal Cruises’ new 45ft custom catamaran in Gulfport for an evening that moves from shallows to skyline: a scenic run out the Intracoastal and along Shell Key Preserve with good chances of dolphin encounters, a stop ashore at Outback Key to collect shells and watch the sun set over the Gulf, and a dusk return past the Skyway Bridge where a $15M light show closes the night.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolphins along the Intracoastal and Shell Key Preserve
The cruise follows the Intracoastal and skirts Shell Key Preserve, offering repeated opportunities to see dolphins in the shallows as the boat moves toward Outback Key.
Outback Key: shelling and a Gulf sunset
The vessel stops at Outback Key so guests can step ashore with their drinks, search for shells, and watch the sun lower over the Gulf of Mexico from a near-deserted barrier island.
Skyway Bridge light show at dusk
On the return the cruise pauses by the Skyway Bridge for the $15M light show—an engineered finale viewed from the water that contrasts the low light of sunset with controlled architectural illumination.
What the day feels like
How the evening unfolds
The three-hour outing begins with a relaxed run out the Intracoastal and along Shell Key Preserve where crew keep watch for dolphins. Mid-cruise, the boat anchors at Outback Key and guests can step ashore—drinks in hand—to comb the beach and watch the sun set over the Gulf. As dusk gathers, the catamaran heads back toward the Skyway Bridge and pauses so passengers can watch the bridge’s $15M light show from the water; the vessel’s onboard thermal and night-vision systems and GPS navigation support a safe return after dark.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening is for—and what’s not stated about limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise is three hours long.
Guests are explicitly welcome to take drinks ashore at Outback Key; bring any personal items you want for shelling and sunset viewing.
The trip runs on Coastal Cruises’ new 45ft custom catamaran; dusk operations use thermal and night‑vision cameras plus GPS navigation to support a safe return after dark.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts three hours.
What type of boat is used?
The cruise is aboard Coastal Cruises’ new 45ft custom catamaran.
Will we see dolphins?
The route follows the Intracoastal and Shell Key Preserve and provides ample opportunities for dolphin sightings.
Can guests go ashore during the trip?
Yes — the vessel stops at Outback Key and guests may take drinks ashore and search for shells.
What is the Skyway light show?
The return passes the Skyway Bridge to view the $15M Skyway Light Show from the water.
Is the dusk return safe?
The dusk return is supported by state‑of‑the‑art thermal and night‑vision cameras and GPS navigation; the operator notes the custom catamaran is equipped to provide this experience safely.